Common Habits You Should Break That Can Cause Acne Scarring

Dealing with acne scars is often the result after having a bad pimple breakout. But why and how does acne scars form? The main reason is the damage to the skin that occurs during the healing process of acne, where there is either a gain or loss of collagen.

Majority of the acne scars are atrophic scars, which are characterised by skin that looks indented and has a pitted appearance. They form when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue, resulting in imbalanced scarring on the skin texture. On the other hand, hypertrophic scars make up of the remaining minority of acne scars that occur from excess collagen production, leading to masses of raised tissue on the skin surface.

While cystic acne or pimple breakouts are not entirely preventable, what are the common habits that should you change or break which can contribute to acne scarring?

Picking or squeezing your pimple

Many of us face this difficulty in resisting the urge to pop a pimple and squeeze the contents for that sense of satisfaction. However, this habit can increase the risk of worsening the inflammation and infection. Pinching the skin or trying to drain the pus can expose the wound to further infection as you push the bacteria deeper into the skin. The bacteria can also spread to other pores around the area, causing more pimple outbreak. The trauma and damage caused to the skin pose a higher chance of hyperpigmentation and scarring when the wound heals.

Instead of picking on your acne, apply some spot acne treatment gel directly on the breakout at before going to bed and allow it to dry overnight. If your condition is serious, you can also head to an aesthetic clinic in Singapore for cystic acne treatment.

Overusing makeup to cover acne

Using thick makeup too often to conceal your cystic acne and pimples can irritate the skin and block the skin pores, trapping oil and bacteria in them. This will infect existing acne and cause your skin condition to get worse. Additionally, some cosmetics along with skin and hair care products contain oil or comedogenic ingredients that may be pore-clogging and cause more breakouts. If you wish to continue using them, choose products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” and avoid layering too much to conceal the acne and acne scars. Shield your face before applying any hair spray and avoid applying oils and serums to your hair bangs or layers of hair that will graze your face.

Inconsistent cleaning of makeup brushes

Your makeup brush bristles are a magnet for bacteria, oil, dirt and dead skin cells. Most of us have the lazy habit of skipping the process of wiping down the brush after every use. Without regular cleaning, the accumulated bacteria and dirt will be transferred to your skin each time you use the brush again, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Wash your makeup brushes and applicators properly every week.

Waiting too late to see a doctor for treatment

Often, people wait until there is no choice before consulting a doctor to treat their acne condition and seek solutions in acne scar removal. Cystic acne usually leaves the skin in a bad condition and it is not sufficient to use surface treatments such as acid peels to treat the scars successfully. If inflammatory acne is left untreated, the risk is increased for them to turn into permanent acne scars.

Aside from finding the best acne treatment for your skin, there are also laser treatments for acne scars that can reach below the skin’s surface to break up fibrous scar tissues and stimulate collagen production for a smoother skin surface. Examples of these lasers are:

Infini FRF Fractional RadioFrequency – Radiofrequency energy is delivered through a fractional approach that helps in stimulating deep collagen production. This laser can bypass the epidermis safely with minimal risk of damage to the surface of the skin and stimulate the body to produce new collagen fibers, which are beneficial in filling up depressed acne scars.

Fractional CO2 Laser – This laser works by delivering tiny beams of light on the face and creating zones of heat injury to the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural repair process in rebuilding lost collagen and resurfaces the skin. The final effect on the entire remodeling process will be a smoother, tighter and plumper skin with a less scarred complexion.

Every individual’s skin condition is different that will require specialized treatment methods to treat acne and get rid of acne scars, and achieve the best results. The Clifford Clinic offers the above-mentioned aesthetic treatments in Singapore and more for other skin concerns such as anti-ageing and hyperpigmentation. Book an appointment with us today and consult with our doctor regarding your skin.